Those close to Victor Radley believe the Roosters’ 10-game suspension will end up proving the best thing for the tough forward’s career.
Radley has had a rough trot with concussions this season, failing multiple HIAs and spending at least four weeks sidelined as a result.
But the 27-year-old, who puts his body on the line without any fear every time he goes out there, may have done more damage.
Radley looked jaded in the Roosters’ elimination loss to the Sharks in week one of the finals, down on his usual energy and enthusiasm.
Victor Radley. Getty
“There are those at the club who believe he has been concussed more times than we know,” a Roosters insider said.
“Just micro head knocks that go undetected by the medicos, but they all do damage so a nice long break from the game could be ideal for him.
“When he comes back, hopefully he will be really fresh and over his head issues.”
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SECRET INJURY SPURRING BRONCOS ON
No frills forward Kobe Hetherington’s secret battle with an agonising injury is proving to be Brisbane’s inspiration as they charge towards the grand final.
Hetherington has had his best season in the NRL and he and Billy Walters are the only Broncos to play in all 25 matches.
But for the past two months, the tough forward has been dogged by a nagging hip injury that prevents him from training with his mates in the lead-up to games.
Kobe Hetherington. Getty
The 26-year-old forward gets painkilling injections most weeks to enable him to play and spends most training sessions just riding a stationary bike.
“We can see the pain he is in but he never complains or tries to take short cuts,” a club source told Wide World of Sports.
“He will join the team for the captain’s run but the rest of the time, it is too hard for him to run.
“The fact he hasn’t missed a game all year shows how tough he is and how committed he is to the boys and they all really appreciate how he is putting in for them.”
Ironically, Hetherington will be lost to the Broncos next season, having signed a four-year deal with Manly from 2026.
PROP EYEING OFF NRL RETURN
Liam Knight. Getty
Liam Knight still has a year to run on his deal with English club Hull FC but wants to return to the NRL – and girlfriend Danika Mason of Channel Nine.
The former Manly, Canberra, Bulldogs and Souths forward made the move to the UK this season, but returned to Sydney recently to nurse a stress fracture to his ankle.
The 30-year-old has attracted some interest from a couple of NRL clubs and his management is hoping to get a deal done in coming weeks for 2026.
TEEN STANDOUT SWAPS CLUBS
Penrith have snared one of the best young outside backs in Sydney in Western Suburbs and City under 16 rep Thomas Goodfield.
The teenager was rated highly by the Wests Tigers but with the likes of Heamasi Makasini coming through, his path to the NRL may be easier at the Panthers.
Goodfield has shone for the past two seasons in the U17s Harold Matthews Cup with the Magpies and is expected to start his Penrith career in the SG Ball side in 2026.
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